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Bill > HB1706


WA HB1706

WA HB1706
Concerning the operation, authorization, and permitting of microenterprise home kitchens.


summary

Introduced
02/01/2023
In Committee
02/17/2023
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/12/2024

Introduced Session

2023-2024 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT Relating to the operation, authorization, and permitting 2 of microenterprise home kitchens; adding a new section to chapter 3 69.07 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 70.54 RCW; adding a new 4 chapter to Title 70 RCW; creating new sections; and providing 5 expiration dates. 6

AI Summary

This bill establishes a pilot program for microenterprise home kitchen operations (MEHKO) in Washington state. The key provisions are: - The Department of Health will develop and administer a pilot program to assess the potential adoption of rules for MEHKOs, which allow residents to operate small-scale home kitchens to sell meals directly to consumers. - The pilot program will permit up to 200 MEHKOs, with no more than 75 in a single county, and will establish operating requirements such as food safety, meal volume limits, and insurance coverage. - MEHKOs will be inspected by the Department of Health before initial permitting and up to twice per year after that. The Department can suspend or revoke permits for violations. - The pilot program and associated regulations will expire on June 30, 2027, unless extended by the legislature. The goal of the bill is to establish a model for MEHKOs that can reduce barriers to entry in the food industry, particularly for marginalized communities, while maintaining public health standards.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

Sponsors (20)

Last Action

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status. (on 01/08/2024)

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